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thealmostfamouswriter · 1 month

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Bad Book Reviews, It Happens

You believe your book is great, your friends say it is, and maybe your editor liked your story. You’re now published and you’re on top of the world. You’ve sold a few copies of books; wow. Congratulations. Your hard work paid off. You look at your listing and see a review - hot dog, your first one. Your heart skips beats and then suddenly it sinks because the review is less than favorable leaving you breathless. You explode with anger because that person is an idiot and didn’t appreciate the sacrifices you made and the sleepless nights you suffered during the creation process. Then, you cry because you can’t believe the negative vibe it gives. You call your friends and ask if they bought your book - they haven’t. You question why and feel betrayed because their excuses are offensive. You’re angry because they lied to you about how they enjoyed reading your manuscript and they would buy a copy once it was listed. You feel betrayed because you trusted them.

It happens. It’s not the fault of your friends. Understand that critics can be harsh and it hurts, but you’re in an arena that makes you subject for opinions that may or may not be to your liking. I have acquaintances that quit writing because of unfavorable reviews. They were angry with friends because if they would’ve kept their promise to buy, they could’ve given good reviews. Take a deep breath. Release. You should be proud of yourself. Believe it or not, there are people driven to buy books with unpleasant reviews because they want to see for themselves if a book is truly as awful as commented. You’d be surprised how many counter reviews will soften the harshness of negative comments and that you do have fans of your book. Remember, opinions differ about everything like in certain foods or movies. You’re out there and that matters.

Appreciate that you are published. Having multiple books for sale speaks volume, so, don’t get too wrapped up about certain opinions. Write your heart out and don’t feel bullied from living your dream.

Until next time… happy writing.

Photos: *Getty Images

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thealmostfamouswriter · 1 month

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Is Getting A Literary Agent Risky?

You’ve completed your manuscript and you want to publish your book but you don’t know the process. Research is resourceful but it’s not effective if you don’t know what to look for.

There is a plethora of publishing houses to contact and seeing that makes your mind spin. You’ll also see links to literary agents with click baits “we’ll make your book a best seller guaranteed.” You click and you’re engulfed with promises and reviews that you can’t substantiate are legit. The urge to hire an agent is strong because your gut screams that in your hands you hold a book you believe will be a best seller. First time authors tend to see the positive hype of agents promising to make you a best-selling author, but before you decide to hire an agent, you must research further his or her resume to know if they can do what is promised.

Not everything you read is legit. Independent agents are not always truthful with their professional resume. Their website maybe designed sharply with photos of popular books, authors, and testimonies to validate the agent’s expertise. Looks too good to be true, right?

The Association of Literary Agents is a good source to reference for legit agents. They provide names and bios of recommended agents for you to contact if you decide to go that route. Another resource is the Seymour Agency to find an agent that is suitable for your publishing needs. But for independent agents, you can go onto the author’s website to legitimize the agent; also, social media will have authors to advise agents if they used one. Not all independent agents are scammers, but unfortunately, the bad ones make it harder for good agents to obtain work.

Keep in mind that agents will require a contract to hire them. Some require payment upfront and they will all take a percentage of your royalties. All will request to read your manuscript before they decide to work for you, some may even advise you to make changes to make your story impactful to an audience in the genre you’ve written. But if one should ask you to send them your original manuscript, don’t do it. Send them a watermarked copy. There are many horror stories about agents that deceive new authors by taking payments, taking manuscripts and disappearing for an extended period of time - forever. It’s a blow to the gut when you realize that you’ve been duped and your manuscript is forever lost. (Please, always have copies of your story and never, I mean never, send an original.)

If you can afford to hire a literary agent, by all means, do it. If finances have you strapped, know there are more cost effective ways to get your book read, but you just need to apply effort to market yourself. Though the process maybe stressful, it’s a learning experience altogether that helps you grow as an author.

Until next time… happy writing.

Photos: *Raindance Film Festival

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thealmostfamouswriter · 2 months

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Are Grammar Rules Important for Writing?

I’m sure you’ve gotten advice on social media to write anything pertaining to a story onto paper if you have writer’s block so you don’t lose your story. Some call this mental junk, or garbage, and the idea about this is that you have something to reference when you’re ready to resume your writing. I agree.

It’s great to write notes, or voice record on your smartphone, what comes to mind in an instant. If you’re shopping and you encounter a situation that would tie in nicely to your story, notate it on the spot.

I’m sure you’ve seen advice from writers that you don’t need to be too concerned about writing skills because editors are hired to make corrections. I disagree.

Editors not only mark your manuscript with suggested corrections, they will give you suggestions to change certain words in your story because a sentence didn’t make sense. Relying on editors to write your story is giving them authority to write your book. Editors do help crisp your book, they’re not paid to write it.

Most occupations require basic to moderate writing skills to communicate with emails, memos, correspondence letters, etc.; the same applies to writers. The idea of writing is to have someone comprehend your message, in some cases, to visualize ideas you implant into someone’s brain. Screenwriters and authors write stories that you can visualize and see in your mind - stirring your imagination to life.

Punctuation placement will make or break your story. The idea is to know when to stress, to emphasize, emotions and any situation your character is experiencing. Unsure of how to spell a word? Use a dictionary. If you type a manuscript on Word document, there’s auto spell-check. There are editing programs, or apps, for writers to select from to assist with spelling, punctuation, and overall grammar structure for your book.

It’s important to know that book writing is different from texting and social media posts - acronyms can’t be used. You should know how to write numbers and where it’s okay to write conjunction words, for example: don’t write conjunction words in the body of your text, but it’s okay to use them when writing spoken dialogue for the purpose of making your characters relatable.

So, you see, it’s important to know basic grammar rules. Don’t be discouraged. There’s Google for advice from experts, or, along with Google, use books by your favorite author and examine his or her’s writing style. Remember, take your time and don’t rush just to be published. In the end, you’ll have reason to celebrate when readers want more from you. Believe me, having a fan base is rewarding.

Until next time… happy writing.

Photos: *Barefoot Writer, ICS Career GPS, Getty Images

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thealmostfamouswriter · 2 months

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Indie Publishing Companies Versus Publishing Houses

There are pros and cons about writing a book. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons. The writing process of a story isn’t as challenging you would think it is, but the stress of what to do with your story once your manuscript is completed.

Aren’t we very excited to publish our first book to showcase our hard work, to be a well-known author, but mostly, to earn money from high-volume sales. Wow, the indescribable euphoric high we have flowing through our veins makes us lose sleep from excitement until we’re faced with the dilemma of turning our manuscript to print.

There are a lot of options to select from when it’s time to publish, however, it’s not as simple as you may think it is, especially for the majority of persons that are limited with financial means to pay for publishing. Yes, I said the naughty word: pay.

You need to pay for publishing and this is one reason people choose to not write because of cost. Reality is that this is an inevitable escape, but there are means to get your book published without worry.

Publishing Houses

There are so many companies awaiting good authors to add to their list of astonishing writers which helps build their brand as a reputable publishing company. Getting a company to invest can be quite challenging, but marginally thin to accomplish. High-end publishers have a team that reads manuscripts and if they are engaged in your story, they’ll offer you a contract that you must pay for and it is quite expensive. Publishing houses of onsite editors available to read your work and they will provide constructive advice to correct writing errors and redirection of your story if needed. This service is provided if you haven’t had it edited for a fee. If you did send your story to a private editor, some publishers will allow you to skip this part, but most won’t. If you don’t have a cover design, there is a team that can provide you a suitable design, of your choice, for a fee. Printing your book is next. There are cover types and book size that matter and that is costly. Then, to guarantee your book sells, there’s a marketing team that knows how to do that, but for a fee. Some publishers will include these services in their fees, so, it’s important to ask.

Always research publishing houses online. Call the ones that you’d like to work with - never select one, and ask as many questions that you think of and never hang up until you’re satisfied with the information you have. Compare answers and use your gut to determine which one is suitable. After you’ve learned the cost, you can save money to pay for services. Some publishers offer payment plans to help ease the burden you have. The average cost to do all of this can range from $4,000 and way more.

If your story is a must-have, certain publishing companies will offer you a check in a lump sum amount for predicted sales of your book. However, there’s a catch. You will need to repay the company for the advancement with royalties you earn from sales and after they’ve been paid in full, you will then get to keep your royalties. It’s wonderful that your story is favorable for this, however, this can be a hit or miss prediction and you’ll need to repay the company the remaining balance in full if your book isn’t as popular as they’d hoped it to be.

Indie Book Publishing

Publishing your book through non-publishing houses is a less expensive process, but you’re responsible to market your book entirely. Yes, these agencies, like Amazon, do offer editing, cover designs and marketing services for a fee, but it’s not required for you to use them. Research and ask reps the same questions you’d ask a publishing house.

Final Note

Your book is precious and should be safeguarded as much as possible. I’ve had my share of bad experiences with publishing companies and I wouldn’t want anyone to experience what I did.

Writers without financial binds will hire agents, and if you can afford one, caution should be heeded when shopping for a reputable book agent - I will offer advice for this in another post.

Think of writing like starting your own business. Time and money is needed and if you have a story to write, let the world appreciate your creativeness. You deserve to be recognized. Until next time, happy writing.

Photos: *Sloan Dental, Pan McMillan, Classcapades

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thealmostfamouswriter · 2 months

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Imagination and Writing

I will always advocate that you can be a writer if you apply effort, time, and commitment. Writing takes heart and most importantly, imagination.

I always got into trouble for daydreaming. I was the child that told elaborate pretend stories and boy, was I punished for it. I don’t regret being that kid because my world is more fun than reality sometimes.

“But what if my story is unrealistic and not liked? I’m not confident because people won’t think my stories would be believable.”

Too many times I’ve been told this by friends and acquaintances when they ask me how I create stories. My reply is always: “that’s the idea of writing a fiction book, it’s all make believe.”

Great writers have a knack of sending readers into a world of make believe, and as a writer, there’s nothing more satisfying than to be amongst millions of writers that can do that. Truth be told, I have never been trained to write, nor do I have a degree in writing; I’m self taught by nonstop writing and comparing my work to other authors. I recruit friends, those who are avid readers and trusted critics, to read certain pages of my manuscript, and believe you me, that’s been helpful.

I encourage anyone with a colorful imagination to write down what you’re thinking and I promise you’ll be amazed. The more you write, it’ll become apparent to how therapeutic it is. Writing a book is a lengthy process; depending on how committed you are, it may take you six months to a year, and maybe longer. In the end, you’ll be consumed with pride that you’ve written your first book. Afterwards, you’ll want to write another, and then another, and so on.

Imagination is the best tool for writing. Movie producers, directors, and screenwriters work hard to get their visions onto the silver screen. Authors work hard to get their visions published for avid readers to enjoy. If an author should be fortunate, he or she will see their visions come to life in theaters. You will never know the potential of your story until you write one.

Pictures: Vecteesy, Getty Images, Nickelodeon

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thealmostfamouswriter · 7 months

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Understanding Storytelling

You are reading a book… you cannot put it down… you tune out the world… you are immersed in the story you hold in your hands… tick, tick, tick, tick… you glance at the clock, it is late and past your bedtime… you sigh heavily… you reluctantly put the book down… you go to bed… you sigh heavily… you cannot sleep… your mind is trapped… you cannot escape… you sit up… breathing rapidly, you turn on the bedside lamp… you pick up the book… you become immersed once more… tick, tick, tick…

Damn, I love books like that, don’t you? Have you read a story that ended well, or, that ended horribly? What about a cliffhanger? The “they lived happily ever after” ending is a horrible ending. What happens next? Will something happen to disrupt the happily ever after? The WTF? endings are enraging, are they not? I mean, the time invested in a great story that you expect to have a satisfying end and in the end, well, if you ever met the author at a book signing event, you would tell him or her your thoughts. Are you an avid reader that never wants a saga to end? Ah, yes. I know that feeling all too well. It is exhilarating when you start imagining what would happen next. Your heart races; your breathe rapidly and then… the excitement abandons you instantly when doubts clean house and settle in. “I can’t write,” you tell yourself. “I suck at it! My story would be stupid and unreal any way.”

Psst… do you want to hear a secret? Come here. Yeah. You. Come closer. The secret about writing is that anyone can write a story, and I mean it. You do not need to be highly educated to write. The only required skill is discipline.

“What the f*** are you talking about, Char?”

Before I explain, let me shoo away the crickets.

When you post on social media, you are telling a story. When you text someone about something you just witnessed, heard, or a person you encountered, you are telling that someone a story. Your words are visualized by whomever sees your posts or whomever receives your texts.

Damn, the crickets are loud. Allow me to explain.

You stop whatever you are doing to post a comment or to write a text. You concentrate when you type, do you not? You have disciplined yourself to “write” your message. Your words are visualized, if not accompanied with a photo or emoji. The tone comes across however you intended and you will surely get a response whether or not you are known by the person commenting on your post.

History is told with paintings, still and moving pictures, and words as are events today. Your favorite television programs, including reality shows, movies, and documentaries, even YouTube shows (not all) have written scripts, your social media posts included. There are stories told all the time, but if you want to become a writer of books or screenplay, you must have discipline.

How and What to Discipline

My technique for writing is if I think it, I write it down. I carry a notepad and pen in my purse and wherever I go, I will see something work noting and I document it. Think of it as a daily journal. I reference it all and use it for character building of persons and places. This system works and you should practice this technique. Grammar and spelling is not important.

The wheels in my mind constantly turn like a waterwheel. I frequent movie theaters or my sofa to watch a good movie, my favorite genres to watch are historically accurate movies and horror. I am addicted to science fiction - Star Wars - though. My books fall in the horror genre. I combine history with fantasy, like the novel written by Seth Grahame-Smith, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. I love the movie and the book. My friends, this is what writing is supposed to be like if you have a good imagination.

Willpower is discipline. I do not post often on Instagram or Facebook because it keeps those who follow me on the edge of their seats wondering what book I will publish next. I am on Tumblr daily because I write blogs for my photography (including photos), I write movie reviews, and I now give writing advice to help aspiring writers. Writing and posting blogs strengthens my skills and it is a great way to prevent writer’s block. Staying away from social media prevents me from becoming trapped in a drama rabbit hole that I cannot get out of. This took a little getting use to, but now, I refuse to allow it consume me.

Starting A Book

The first step is to write a brief description about your story, what you currently have in mind. Do not change anything at this time, just write down your idea. Then think about your characters, but without a personality. For example:

A magic forest with mystical animals, magic flowers and plants, and fairies. Humans are not allowed in because they are known to destroy beautiful things for power and money. The fairies protect the forest and prevent humans from discovering this magic place. A male fairy falls in love with a human girl and he visits her nightly after she falls asleep. The girl sees him and falls in love with him, but she thinks, she knows, he is not real and loves only his vision. She cannot love anyone because she cannot stop thinking about him. This causes a boy who likes her to become angry and jealous of someone that is not real. The angry boy tries to control her, ruin her, but the fairy comes to her rescue.

The example above is how you would get your idea on paper. Leave it alone and do not look at it again. Sometimes the story seems cheesy after you have written, but you can make changes later. Now, you should create characters.

Protagonists - the boy fairy and the human girl.

The boy fairy will look like a young Brad Pitt (you can describe him when you write him in the story). The strongest fairy warrior, very loving being.

The human girl is extremely beautiful with silky long brown hair, emerald green eyes, and fair skin. Her lips are naturally rosy and soft. She is the kindest person.

Antagonist - the jealous human boy.

The human boy will look like a stereotypical 80’s movie high school jock. Blonde hair, smug face, cocky attitude, and arrogant.

Describing your characters like this is a good start and you can make changes later. These first steps give your story life, you cannot stop now.

Let me stop here for now, I do not want to be overwhelming. In my next blog post, I will explain why this process is less intimidating compared to other professional writers. I will show you how to add a location, and supporting characters.

Thanks for joining me and I hope I can make your first book a successful and stress-free journey.

Daily Affirmation

I am a magnet for great things

Image: Getty images

You can find great books to read, including Seth Grahame-Smith’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter on Amazon. Click the link below to find other great books, including mine.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=1charlouise-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6cef7ffb6a31f8b23c360d232cbf843f&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=17">1Charlouise-20</a>

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thealmostfamouswriter · 8 months

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Tearing Down the Barrier

I am a smart person, moderately intelligent enough to do very well on trivia nights and watching Jeopardy. Alike a lot of people, the thought of writing a book intimidated me and I did not believe I was good enough to write a college essay let alone a book.

My entire life I wanted to be a creator, someone who could entertain the world for a living, but with an Asian mother and a father who believed dreams are unachievable, I never received encouragement for anything. My father made center stage intelligence I lacked. In my youth, when I received good grades, he scolded me for that because stupid kids did not deserve good grades. I brought home bad grades and I was punished for being stupid to not get good grades. Dad, throw me a bone, would you?

The Vietnam War haunted my mother - she cannot be blamed because war is terrifying. But she allowed the experience to dictate her new life in the United States in a dramatic way. Have you ever seen the show What We Do in the Shadows? Vanessa Bayer plays an emotional vampire, Evie Russel, that tells outlandish stories for sympathy to suck the energy from everyone she encounters. That is my mother to a tee. If the phone did not ring, she called her friends and painted an exaggerated story to fill her pity pool. Luckily for her, Dad did not understand Vietnamese - I did. The only thing that I can positively say about Mom is that she can save money. She had a knack to spend only for what was needed and save a lot of money that my dad did not know about. Damn, she was good at that.

For mom, it was about money and buying lavish things. For dad, it was losing his identity to make my mother happy. Mom wanted me to be a model person to make her respected amongst friends: a lawyer, a doctor, or an accountant. I could not be anything less. When I told her about my dream, I received welts from the handle of a bamboo feather duster. When I told Dad my dream, I received welts from his belt buckle for being stupid and stupider for having a dream.

I needed to break free from my parents’ talons, so I joined the Navy, it was my only means of escape. Surprisingly, my father was proud. Not surprisingly, I brought shame to my mother. Eee-ya!

For the first time, my future looked bright because I lived life on my terms because I was property of the U.S. government and it felt great! I was free to think freely and to do whatever I wanted to as long as I did not get into trouble, I was free from my cage.

I though more about becoming a writer. Ugh. I felt the pressure of stupid wrangling my confidence to become one. It did not matter that I passed the ASVAB exam to join the navy, and it should have mattered. Stupid proved to be a strong opponent and I could not muster the courage to fight it. Life had not happened to me, yet, and that is what I needed to experience first. I learned a lot about myself in the navy. Going out to sea, visiting foreign lands, and making new friends was magical, but none of that was a sweet spot for me. All I did was acclimate to situational events that were enjoyable, but my spirit never let me forget my calling and it was my solemn duty to answer that call.

The moral of this summarized story of my past, is to explain that if your will is strong, you will fight for what you want. Obstacles do vary, but people face obstacles nonetheless. I desired to be happy and live life as I am meant to live. My parents were not happy I stepped of the endless path they paved for me. Instead, I took a path with a clear destination that I paved myself.

Friends and acquaintances have told me they want to write but they do not because writing is intimidating. I always responded with “anyone can write, it’s easy.” Not once did I think about how I started. I was awful for giving that pep talk; it was not enough because the expressions given to me read: “oh, how arrogant,” or “easy for you to say because you are a writer.” I took that to heart and realized I unintentionally was arrogant to them. Honestly, it was my confidence of knowing how I got here came off as arrogant - that is not me. I do remember the struggles I faced and the loneliness I felt because I did not have anyone willing to help me. Professionals turned their noses, amateur writers laughed at me because I do not have what it takes to be a writer, and my friends advised me to “get real” and find a good paying job so I could hang with them on weekends. Guess what? I worked my butt off and I am living my dream. I am very happy, and I hope you can find the happiness that makes you feel good.

I want to help aspiring writers to overcome fears and tackle doubts like a rugby player. Do not let pen and paper or a keyboard be intimidating. I want to help anyone aspiring to do something they love. No matter what you dream about, it is possible to achieve it.

I hope you are ready to expand your imagination because a book is a vacation destination to another world.

Daily Affirmation

I am grateful for all that I am

You are a blessing to those that know you, but always remain humble.

Need a good book to read? Amazon has an array of authors and genres for you to select from. Click link below to find what may tickle your fancy.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=1charlouise-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6cef7ffb6a31f8b23c360d232cbf843f&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=17">1Charlouise-20</a>

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thealmostfamouswriter · 8 months

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I have a saying: “pinky up” when something challenging arises and seems hopeless. Persons who come to me for positive advice and guidance respond better when I say pinky up rather than stay positive.

My professional name is Char Louise. I am a published author, a blogger, and a photographer. I love what I do. It’s a life that brings so much joy and I want to inspire anyone with similar dreams to something they love either just for themselves or share them with the world.

I, for one, dislike the direction social media is taking. There are videos of hate and violence posted, and sadly, the people taking videos do just that: record and laugh while doing it. No one tries to help. Why is someone being assaulted entertaining?

I know I cannot change the world, but what I can do is share positive, and hopefully, funny content.

In the Beginning

Once upon a time, a young girl blossomed into a lady. Ha, ha - a vague opening, but I bet you know the lady I am referring to, and if you guessed me, you are right.

I grew up with a Vietnamese mother and an American father, and boy, when two worlds collide, it makes for an interesting childhood. My mother refused to acclimate to American culture, whereas my father refused to accept that he no longer was in the 1960s.

Growing up, I never knew who I resembled. I did not want to look like my mom nor did I not want to look like my dad because old photos of them made me believe I was not even their child. Mom spoke Vietnamese and she refused to learn English because she would not let a foreign government tell her what to do. Dad chose to stop arguing with Mom because “a happy wife means a happy life.”

I am privileged to say that I grew up in the 80s and boy did I not have fun. My parents were very strict and sheltering so much so that I did not have any friends - at all. No, I am not exaggerating, this is the honest truth. But, I did make the best of what I was given and guess what? I survived.

Fast forward

Here we are in 2023. I cannot work confined to a cubicle for a company with rules and restrictions, it feels like I am reliving my childhood. So, here I am helping others with encouragement, positive affirmations to do what they want to do. I will give writing tips, publishing tips, and whatever is useful to create your first story.

Daily Affirmation

“I believe I can.”

Nothing is unachievable if you believe in yourself.

Need a good book to read? Amazon has an array of authors and genres for you to select from. Click link below to find what may tickle your fancy.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=1charlouise-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6cef7ffb6a31f8b23c360d232cbf843f&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=17">1Charlouise-20</a>

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